Indulge in these incredibly dreamy chocolate chip protein bars. They feature a delicious layer of almond flour and peanut butter sweetened with dates and topped with a chocolate ganache. They come with a punch of protein and healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer and help keep cravings away.

They taste like a delicious dessert, but are secretly so good for you and so tasty you will want to hide them and keep them all for yourself! I always have a few of these on hand for an easy grab-and-go snack!

Protein bars are a staple in my diet, as is chocolate. Once I learned how much cheaper AND tastier homemade protein bars are, I completely eliminated buying protein bars from the grocery store.

Why I love this recipe…

Wholesome ingredients. No hidden sugar – or worse, corn syrup! These bars are naturally sweetened with dates and are so simple to make. They are filled with healthy, quality ingredients, are low carb, paleo-friendly, and just downright delicious.

Eat them as a snack, a pre or post workout meal, or even dessert, they are that good! Perfect for chocolate lovers. Chocolate is a mandatory part of my day, and when I can satisfy my chocolate cravings AND hit my protein goal, that’s even better. Protein-rich – 12 grams of protein per bar. They are the perfect midday snack, healthy dessert, or post-workout bar.

If you have ever browsed the protein bar section of a supermarket, you will know what I mean when I say there is an endless supply of options to choose from. However, those options are not always the best. After scanning the ingredients label on nearly every bar, you have probably (a) walked away in disappointment or (b) knowingly settled for a mediocre bar.

You may have wondered, “Why are they all filled with weird ingredients? Why is sugar the first ingredient in so many of these bars? Wait, why is refined sugar even IN these supposed health bars?”

If you have been searching for a protein bar that’s made with minimal ingredients, truly healthy, and tastes DELICIOUS, this is the recipe for you!

These homemade chocolate chip peanut butter protein bars are made with no refined sugar, no dairy, and no additives. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a high protein snack that tastes like dessert. Nobody will guess that they are actually good for you!

Reader review: “OMG I’m so obsessed with these right now. I look forward to eating one after my workout each day. I thought I liked a number of well-known brand name protein bars, but now that I’ve made these I don’t even want to go back to buying protein bars because they are so inferior. I also feel really good knowing and seeing exactly what goes into them”.

These chocolate chip peanut butter bars are a great replacement for your store-bought protein bars. These homemade protein bars have no refined sugar, no preservatives and no additives. And they are rich in protein, fiber, macro nutrients that you need to power you through the day. Each bar has 11 grams of protein and is the perfect morning or afternoon energy bar.

When it comes to protein bars, everyone’s got their tried-and-true favorites that they will stick with forever. Not that we don’t branch out every now and again, but once you have found your faves, we have a tendency to stick with them, right? And furthermore, if you are already obsessed with the flavors and ingredients of said favorites, it only makes sense that you would want to emulate the combination in other dishes!

Although it’s quick and convenient to pick up a candy bar at the grocery checkout line, sometimes homemade versions of candy bars are just BETTER! There is something to making it from scratch without any of the “extra” ingredients in manufactured products.

These protein bars are so much healthier and don’t require any baking! I have been making these bars for years because they are one of my most requested snacks. They are the perfect sweet-salty snack that the entire family loves. The grandkids start asking for these bars every time they visit. I have a large family and they go like hotcakes with my crowd!

These couldn’t be easier to make – they come together quickly in a blender. The perfect amount of chew, and just the right amount of crunch. Plus, the flavor is to die for!

You should probably just make a double batch…. 😊

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Sinfully delicious bars that taste like a candy bar. Protein-rich, fudgy and surprisingly easy to make! Just one bite, and you will see why these bars will become your all-time favorite! Made with a base of almond flour, they are no bake, high in protein and are ready in under 30 minutes.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate chip peanut butter protein bars, clean eating dessert or snack, clean eating protein bars, healthy peanut butter date protein bars, no bake protein bars, nut butter protein bars no bake

Servings 16

Ingredients

Bar Base

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 cup oat flour (oats blended to a flour)
• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache Topping

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/3 cup any milk

Topping Optional

• 1/2 cup any nuts, crushed or chopped
• Flaky salt

Instructions

• Line an 8 x 8-inch pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.

Bar Base

• In a food processer, add all ingredients (except chocolate chips) and process until a sticky dough is formed. The batter should be crumbly like cookie dough but still hold its form when you squeeze it between your fingers.

  If the batter seems too thick, just add a little water or milk a tablespoon at a time until it comes together. If it’s too wet, add more almond or oat flour or protein powder.

  Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your protein bars.

  Lastly fold the chocolate chips into the batter.

  Scoop mixture out into lined pan and smooth out with a spatula or back of a spoon. Let cool in the fridge for 1 hour or longer, then cut into 16 bars or more smaller squares.

Chocolate Ganache Topping

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Once melted, add milk and stir until well combined. Top the fudge with the ganache and if desired, sprinkle with the crushed nuts or flaky salt. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm and set before serving.

  Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.  

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites